Jumping Mechelen - FEI World Cup™

As the year draws to a close, the international equestrian world turns its attention to Belgium once again. From 26 to 30 December 2026, the Nekkerhal in Mechelen will be transformed into a major stage for top-class indoor sport. At the traditional Jumping Mechelen, World Cup competitions, youth sport, national classes and a varied entertainment programme come together in a unique atmosphere between Christmas and New Year.

The sporting highlight is the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Mechelen. In this demanding World Cup competition, leading international riders compete for victory and valuable points towards qualification for the World Cup Final. However, the event has much more to offer: the FEI World Cup™ series in Dressage and Driving also stop in Mechelen. The programme is completed by the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy, classes for young riders and numerous competitions for Belgian amateur athletes.

Watch Jumping Mechelen live and on demand

Don’t want to miss any of the action from Mechelen? You can watch the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™, the FEI Dressage World Cup™ and the FEI Driving World Cup™ live and on demand on ClipMyHorse.TV and FEI.TV.

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ as the sporting highlight

The Jumping World Cup competition is traditionally one of the major highlights of Jumping Mechelen. It forms part of the Western European League of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ and brings together some of the most successful combinations of the international indoor season. At each leg, riders collect valuable points to qualify for the prestigious World Cup Final.

In Mechelen, competitors face a technically demanding five-star course. High and wide fences, short distances and tight turns require power, quick reactions and precise communication between horse and rider. Even the smallest mistake can determine whether a combination reaches the jump-off or misses out on valuable World Cup points.

In the jump-off, the course is shortened and the pace increases significantly. Riders must decide where they can save time and where a slightly safer approach may be the better choice. In the relatively compact indoor arena, short lines and bold turns can make the decisive difference. At the same time, every second saved increases the risk of a jumping fault.

The combination of sporting difficulty and the passionate Belgian crowd gives the competition its distinctive character. At the 2025 World Cup, Gilles Thomas celebrated an emotional home victory. Cheered on by an enthusiastic audience in the Nekkerhal, the Belgian rider prevailed in an exciting jump-off and secured one of the most important wins of his season.

The wider jumping programme also features a range of international and national competitions. These traditionally include major world-ranking classes, Masters competitions, classes for young horses and the Belgian Indoor Championship. The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ usually takes place on 30 December, the final day of the event.

Three FEI World Cup™ disciplines under one roof

One of the defining features of Jumping Mechelen is its exceptional sporting variety. In addition to jumping, Dressage and Driving are also part of the international World Cup programme. Within just a few days, spectators can experience three very different forms of equestrian sport, ranging from the controlled elegance of Dressage to the speed and excitement of four-in-hand Driving.

At the FEI Dressage World Cup™, the Grand Prix is followed by the decisive Grand Prix Freestyle. In the Grand Prix, combinations perform a set test featuring movements such as piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes and flying changes. The judges assess aspects including technical accuracy, the horse’s suppleness and responsiveness, and the harmony between horse and rider.

In the Grand Prix Freestyle, riders have greater freedom to create an individual performance. The required movements are incorporated into a personal choreography and presented to carefully selected music. Technical precision, expression and artistic presentation come together in this popular competition. The close proximity between the spectators and the arena creates an especially intense atmosphere inside the Nekkerhal.

At the 2025 edition, Larissa Pauluis and Flambeau delighted the Belgian crowd. The pair won both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle, achieving a personal best score of 82.975 per cent in the Freestyle.

The action becomes even faster and louder during the FEI Driving World Cup™. Drivers guide their teams of four horses through a compact indoor course. Bridges, cones, movable obstacle elements and sharp turns demand accurate lines and rapid reactions. Mistakes result in time penalties, meaning that success depends not simply on maximum speed, but on finding the right balance between pace and control.

The four-in-hand competition regularly provides a spectacular finale to the event. The atmosphere in the arena is one of the defining features of the World Cup leg in Mechelen. Spectators loudly support the drivers around the course and react to every tight turn and every fallen ball. The organisers regard Mechelen as one of the most prestigious international indoor competitions in four-in-hand Driving.

A stage for young riders and national talent

Jumping Mechelen combines international top-level sport with the development of the next generation. At the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy, some of Europe’s best young pony riders compete against one another. The series gives emerging athletes the opportunity to gain experience in major indoor arenas and in front of an international audience from an early stage in their careers.

The young combinations must tackle demanding courses requiring concentration, courage and a strong sense of timing. For many competitors, the class represents an important step towards international jumping. In 2025, the series final took place in Mechelen and was won by Sophia Aurelia George.

Belgian amateur riders, young horses and national rising stars also have a permanent place in the programme. Various finals and championships allow them to compete at the same event as the world’s leading riders. This connection between internationally recognised names and locally rooted equestrian sport is a central part of the Jumping Mechelen concept.

More than an international equestrian event

Jumping Mechelen is not only a major sporting occasion, but also a diverse equestrian festival for families, fans and riders. More than 70 competitions and shows are planned across two arenas during the five-day event, ensuring an almost continuous programme inside the Nekkerhal.

Regular highlights include JM Kids Day for families and young horse enthusiasts, as well as the JM Feest music festival. The programme is complemented by show performances, presentations, exhibitors and a variety of opportunities to discover equestrian sport beyond the major World Cup competitions.

The event’s position in the calendar adds to its special atmosphere. Between Christmas and New Year, equestrian fans from Belgium and neighbouring countries gather in Mechelen to celebrate the end of the sporting year together. The festive arena, the close connection to the athletes and the enthusiastic crowd make Jumping Mechelen an exceptional stop on the international indoor circuit.

Frequently asked questions about the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Mechelen

What is Jumping Mechelen?

Jumping Mechelen is an international indoor equestrian event traditionally held in Belgium between Christmas and New Year. Its programme includes FEI World Cup™ competitions in Jumping, Dressage and Driving, as well as youth, amateur and national classes.

When will Jumping Mechelen 2026 take place?

Jumping Mechelen will take place from 26 to 30 December 2026.

Where is Jumping Mechelen held?

The event is held at the Nekkerhal in Mechelen, Belgium. It is also known as the Memorial Eric Wauters.

Which disciplines are featured at Jumping Mechelen?

The main disciplines are Jumping, Dressage and four-in-hand Driving. FEI World Cup™ competitions are held in all three disciplines. The programme also includes the FEI Jumping Ponies’ Trophy and a range of national and international classes.

Where can I watch the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Mechelen?

Jumping Mechelen is available live and on demand on ClipMyHorse.TV and FEI.TV. Viewers can follow the World Cup competitions in Jumping, Dressage and Driving. The 2025/2026 edition is also available in the archive.

When does the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Mechelen take place?

The major Jumping World Cup competition traditionally takes place on 30 December, the final day of the event. The detailed programme and exact starting times are published by the organiser.

Why is the World Cup leg in Mechelen important?

The competition is part of the Western European League of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™. Riders can collect important points in Mechelen towards qualification for the World Cup Final.

How does the Jumping World Cup competition work?

After the first round, the best fault-free combinations qualify for the jump-off. They then compete over a shortened course. The fastest combination with the best result wins.

Is Dressage also part of Jumping Mechelen?

Yes. The programme includes the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle of the FEI Dressage World Cup™. In the Freestyle, combinations present an individually designed choreography set to music.

What makes the four-in-hand Driving in Mechelen special?

At the FEI Driving World Cup™, drivers guide their teams of four horses through a narrow and technically demanding indoor course. The combination of speed, precision and the loud atmosphere inside the Nekkerhal makes the competition one of the event’s major highlights.